Creating an ecosystem for labour market inclusion in Latin American countries

Por Talento Latinoamérica, led by IDB Lab and Fundación ONCE, improves disability employment in Latin America. By 2024, 1,900 people with disabilities gained jobs in 5 countries via training and business networks.

Por Talento Latinoamérica, promoted by the IDB Lab of the Inter-American Development Bank Group and Fundación ONCE from Spain, aims to improve employment for persons with disabilities in Latin America. The programme is based on data collection, creation of inclusive business networks, labour intermediation training, and vocational programmes. Launched in 2019, it has been successfully implemented by 2024 in Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Uruguay, adding some 1,900 persons with disabilities to the labour market.

Problems Targeted

A key problem for employing persons with disabilities is the lack of established and available processes and the absence of efficient cooperative ecosystems.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Por Talento Latinoamérica is based on the methodology and technology developed in 2000 by Fundación ONCE in Spain, adapted to each country’s specific context through local partners. The programme has three key priorities: • Development of national ODISMET chapters: ODISMET is a labour market observatory, focused on analysing the employment situation of persons with disabilities, providing data to improve employment opportunities, and guiding policy decisions. • Establishment of an Inserta ecosystem: This includes training for employment agencies and recruiters, initiatives to enhance employability and skills of persons with disabilities based on market needs, and promoting the commitment of company’s to disability talent. • Communication initiatives: These initiatives aim to activate persons with disabilities in the labour market and make their talent visible. Launched in 2019, the programme is supported by different partners in each country, including ministries, compensation funds, disability organizations, private sector entities, and foundations. By 2024 the four national ODISMET chapters were created, and four business networks with over 70 members were established. Additionally, some 500 labour market operators were trained, and nearly 3,000 persons with disabilities had participated in training programmes, with more than 1,100 finding employment.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The project has a budget of $2.7 million for a period of five years and in five countries. Half is funded by the IDB Lab of the Inter-American Development Bank Group, and 25 per cent by the ONCE Foundation. The remainder is in-kind contributions from ONCE and local partners. Online training in the methodology enhances replicability. In 2024, Uruguay joined the Por Talento Latinoamérica project, and components are also being implemented in Morocco. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

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Por Talento Latinoamérica enhances employment for people with disabilities in Latin America

Por Talento Latinoamérica enhances employment for people with disabilities in Latin America

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